Anticipate 20,000 United miles to be worth from $220 to $260 on most fares with a redemption value of 1.1 to 1.3 cents each. In most cases, domestic flights will be your only option as one-way domestic flights start at 10,000 miles but are lower at times.

The cash value of 20,000 airline miles varies significantly depending on the airline and how you choose to "spend" them, but a general industry average is roughly $200 to $300. Most travel experts value standard miles (like those from Delta, United, or American) at approximately 1.0 to 1.5 cents per mile. If you use 20,000 miles to "pay with miles" for a flight at checkout, you will often get a flat value of $200 (1 cent per mile). However, if you redeem them for a "Saver" award ticket—such as a short-haul domestic round trip that would normally cost $400 in cash—the value of your 20,000 miles jumps to 2 cents per mile ($400 value). Conversely, if you use your miles for "merchandise" or "gift cards" in the airline's online mall, the value often drops below 1 cent per mile, potentially making 20,000 miles worth only $140 to $160. To get the "cash equivalent" back into your pocket, some people use third-party mileage brokers (which is technically against airline terms of service) where they might receive about $180-$220. For the best "bang for your buck," 20,000 miles is best used for last-minute domestic travel or specific upgrades.